Many of us may know that distracted driving is a major road problem today. A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed distracted driving was responsible for 3,477 deaths in 2015 alone. That’s nearly 10% of all traffic fatalities that year.
So what can be done to prevent these accidents and save lives? Here are some useful tips:
Drive defensively
A common danger on the road is distracted driving. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention from the task of driving, which involves eating, drinking, talking or texting on your phone, talking to passengers, and using in-vehicle infotainment systems. Even daydreaming can be considered a form of distraction.
Distracted driving is hazardous because it increases your reaction time in an emergency situation. If you are not paying attention to the road, you may not see a hazard until it is too late to avoid it. One excellent way of preventing distraction is to practice defensive driving.
Defensive driving involves preparation for anything that might happen on the road. This includes being aware of other drivers and their behavior and knowing what to do if something unexpected happens.
Driving defensively also means upholding your legal duty to follow traffic laws and not put others at risk when you drive. It is a proactive form of driving that can help prevent accidents by anticipating dangerous situations and taking steps to avoid them. However, no matter how defensively you drive, accidents can still happen with many distracted drivers on the road. If you can’t avoid getting involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you must speak with an expert Illinois auto accident attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options. With so many motorists using cell phones and other devices while behind the wheel, distracted driving has become a severe problem on our roads. If you have been hurt in an accident caused by a distracted driver, contact The law offices of werewolf today to schedule a free consultation.
Put your phone away
Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America’s roads. More recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that in 2020, 3,142 people were killed, and 324,652 were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers.
One of the most common distractions for drivers is cell phones. Smartphone use while driving is now the leading cause of death behind the wheel for teens and young adults.
However, it’s not just texting or talking on the phone that can be distracting. Even simply holding your phone can take your attention away from the road. That’s why putting your phone away when you get behind the wheel is essential.
Know your route before you start driving
When you’re driving, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and be focused on the task at hand. An efficient way to achieve it is to know your route before you start driving. This way, you won’t be distracted behind the wheel by looking at maps or trying to figure out directions. Instead, you can devote all your attention to driving safely.
Another reason why knowing your route is so important is that it can help you avoid getting lost. Getting lost can be very stressful and can lead to dangerous situations. Knowing where you’re going makes you less likely to make a wrong turn or get lost in unfamiliar territory.
So, the next time you get behind the wheel, take some time to familiarize yourself with your route. This will help you stay vigilant and focused while driving.
Avoid eating and drinking while driving
We’ve all been there. You’re driving along, doing your stuff when suddenly you realize you’re hungry. So, you decide to grab a quick bite to eat while on the road. Or maybe you’re running late for an appointment and figure you’ll just drink your coffee while driving. But did you know that eating and drinking while driving is a form of distracted driving? And distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in the United States.
When you’re behind the wheel, it’s essential to focus on the task at hand: driving. That means no fiddling with the radio, no talking on the phone, and no eating or drinking.
Eating and drinking while driving takes your attention away from the road. Even if you’re not using your hands to eat or drink, your mind is still focused on the task rather than driving.
There are a few dangers associated with eating and drinking while driving. First, there’s the danger of spillage. If you’re holding a hot cup of coffee or a soda, you risk spilling it on yourself or the car. This can not only be painful, but it can also be distracting.
Another danger is that food and drinks can drop onto the car floor. This can create a slip-and-fall hazard for you or your passengers. And if you’re wearing sandals or flip-flops, dropped food can become stuck under your foot, which can be both painful and distracting.
Finally, there’s the danger of choking. If you’re eating while driving, there’s a risk of choking on your food. This can be very dangerous and could even lead to death.
So, think twice the next time you’re tempted to eat or drink while driving. It’s not worth the risk. Just wait until you reach your destination to enjoy your meal or drink. Your safety (and the safety of those around you) is more important than satisfying your hunger or quenching your thirst.
Leave early
It’s no secret that distracted driving is a major problem on our roads today. It’s now one of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities. And while many different distractions can cause a driver to lose focus, one of the most common is simply being in a hurry.
If you’re running late for an appointment or trying to make up time on your commute, pushing the limits and driving a little faster than usual can be tempting. But even if you’re not speeding, rushing can still lead to mistakes. And when you’re behind the wheel, even a small mistake can have serious consequences.
That’s why it’s so important to leave early whenever possible. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Not only will it help you avoid rushing, but it can also allow you to take breaks if needed and avoid driving in heavy traffic.
So, leave early and arrive safely next time you’re heading out on the road. It’s one of the best ways to prevent distracted driving.
These tips can help you prevent distracted driving and stay safe on the roads. Remember, safety is always the top priority when behind the wheel.
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